To not send my kids there?

[SoGuttedd]

Our first choice was a school out of catchment. We loved it and it worked well for us logistically with work, etc. and we want to move back to that area. A friend in the same village has been offered a place but not my DT. I am so disappointed.

The school we have been offered I hated. The reception kids are in with the preschoolers, it’s always over subscribed and the head literally told us that the buildings were damp and rotting but they couldn’t get the funding.

I’ve been in tears, I don’t want my kids to go there.

There is one other school that looks lovely but it’s tiny. Three year groups merged. Would this put you off?

Im trying to get on the waiting list for the preferred school and will appeal but if that doesn’t work.

I would get on the waiting lists definitely.

You say that the school you didn't get was out of catchment, were any of your choices schools nearer you?

I don't see that you have any basis for an appeal in what you've said so far.

What would your grounds for appeal be? It doesn’t sound like you believe there has been an error in following admission process?

don’t turn down the place you have been offered. If you do that you may end with no school places.

get on the waiting lists for schools you would prefer

I would definitely consider the tiny school. My DC are at a tiny school and love it. There are downsides but a lot of upsides too. And meanwhile get on the waiting list for your first choice.

I also don’t understand on what grounds you are appealing.

Preschoolers and reception kids all come under EYFS so it makes sense they are "lumped in together". Key Stage 1 doesn't start until Year 1.

It's understandable to be disappointed but try to stay calm. Your offer email should make clear how to get yourself on waiting lists. There is a lot of movement so you may well get the school you want.

An appeal is likely a waste of time. Merely being annoyed you didn't get what you want is not grounds to increase an infant class size over 30

It's really not the end of the world if you kids go to different school to the one you had your heart set on. If it's over subscribed then it is likely a good school.

well, I might have been panicking over nothing…I’ve spoken to our first choice and they have them down as going and still have places available anyway. The school are trying to find out what’s happened and why but they’re 99.9% sure DT will be going there, as are the council that the school falls within.

The appeal…I was hoping to apply on the grounds of logistical reasons and cost. Our wrap around care costs would double in the catchment schools (already double with twins) and all their friends from nursery are going to our first choice.

fingers crossed it’s resolved